Waterproofing ratings for headphones and earbuds are confusing — manufacturers use terms like ‘water resistant,’ ‘sweat proof,’ ‘IPX4,’ and ‘IP67’ that mean very different things. This guide answers the specific waterproofing questions for the most popular headphones and earbuds: Beats Solo 4, Beats Studio Pro, Beats Solo Buds, AirPods Pro, JLab headphones, Sony WH-1000XM4, Skullcandy Push Active, and Sennheiser Momentum 4 — plus explains what IP ratings actually mean so you know exactly what you can and cannot do with your headphones.
For the best headphones and earbuds for running and gym workouts — including how to keep earbuds in your ears — see our guide to the best headphones and earbuds for running and gym 2026.
IP Ratings Explained — What Waterproof Actually Means
IP (Ingress Protection) ratings are the standard classification for how well a device resists water and dust. The rating appears as ‘IPxx’ where the first digit is dust protection (0-6) and the second is water protection (0-9):
| Rating | What It Means | Can You… |
| IPX4 | Splash resistant — light rain, sweat | ✅ Sweat, ✅ Light rain, ❌ Shower, ❌ Swim |
| IPX5 | Water jets resistant | ✅ Sweat, ✅ Rain, ⚠️ Shower (brief), ❌ Swim |
| IPX7 | Submersion to 1m for 30 minutes | ✅ Sweat, ✅ Rain, ✅ Shower, ⚠️ Shallow swim |
| IPX8 | Submersion beyond 1m (manufacturer spec) | ✅ Sweat, ✅ Rain, ✅ Shower, ✅ Swim |
| IP67 | Dustproof + IPX7 water | ✅ All of IPX7 + dustproof |
| IP68 | Dustproof + IPX8 water | ✅ All of IPX8 + dustproof |
| No rating | No protection certified | ❌ Avoid all water contact |
Important: IP ratings are tested in lab conditions with still, fresh water. They do not guarantee protection in all real-world scenarios — saltwater, chlorinated pool water, and high-pressure shower heads can damage headphones rated for freshwater submersion. Manufacturers also do not cover water damage under warranty even for IP-rated devices, as the rating can degrade over time.
Are Beats Solo 4 Waterproof?
No — the Beats Solo 4 are not waterproof. The Beats Solo 4 have no official IP water resistance rating from Beats/Apple. This means there is no certified protection against water ingress. The Solo 4 should not be used in rain, during sweaty workouts, or near water. Beats does not list any water resistance specification for the Solo 4 in its official product documentation.
This is a significant limitation compared to other headphones in the Solo 4’s price range. If you need water resistance for workouts or outdoor use, the Beats Fit Pro (IPX4) or Powerbeats Pro (IPX4) are the appropriate Beats workout options — the Solo 4 is designed as a casual listening and commuting headphone, not a fitness device.
| Beats Model | IP Rating | Good for Workouts? |
| Beats Solo 4 | None — no rating | ❌ Not suitable for sweat/rain |
| Beats Studio Pro | None — no rating | ❌ Not suitable for sweat/rain |
| Beats Solo Buds | IPX4 | ✅ Sweat and light splash resistant |
| Beats Fit Pro | IPX4 | ✅ Excellent workout earbuds |
| Beats Studio Buds+ | IPX4 | ✅ Good workout earbuds |
| Powerbeats Pro (2nd gen) | IPX4 | ✅ Best Beats workout earbuds |
| Beats Flex | No rating | ❌ Not for workouts |
Are Beats Solo Buds Waterproof?
Yes — the Beats Solo Buds are IPX4 rated, meaning they are sweat and splash resistant. IPX4 protects against water splashing from any direction, making them suitable for workouts, running in light rain, and sweaty gym sessions. They are not waterproof in the submersion sense — you should not use them in the shower or swimming. The IPX4 rating makes the Beats Solo Buds a significantly more workout-appropriate option than the Beats Solo 4 headphones.
Are Beats Studio Pro Waterproof?
No — the Beats Studio Pro are not waterproof and have no IP water resistance rating. Like the Beats Solo 4, the Studio Pro is a premium audio-focused headphone without workout protection. Beats positions the Studio Pro as a professional monitoring and high-fidelity listening headphone rather than a fitness device. Keep the Beats Studio Pro away from rain, sweat, and any moisture.
Can You Shower with AirPods Pro?
No — you should not shower with AirPods Pro, even though they have an IP rating. AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are rated IPX4, which protects against sweat and splash but not shower exposure. A shower creates direct water jets and sustained water pressure that exceeds IPX4 protection. Apple explicitly states that AirPods Pro are ‘not water resistant under pressure’ and should not be used ‘during water-based activities including showering.’ For showering with earbuds, you need at least IPX7 or IPX8 rated earbuds.
| AirPods Model | IP Rating | Can You Shower? |
| AirPods Pro (2nd gen) | IPX4 | ❌ No — IPX4 not shower-safe |
| AirPods (4th gen) | IP54 | ❌ No — IP54 not shower-safe |
| AirPods Max | IP54 | ❌ No — not shower-safe |
| AirPods (3rd gen) | IPX4 | ❌ No |
| AirPods (1st/2nd gen) | None | ❌ Absolutely not |
Are JLab Headphones Waterproof?
It depends on the specific JLab model. JLab makes headphones and earbuds across a wide range of price points with varying levels of water resistance:
| JLab Model | IP Rating | Workout Suitable? |
| JLab Go Air Sport | IP66 | ✅ Excellent — dust + water jets |
| JLab Epic Air Sport ANC | IP66 | ✅ Excellent workout earbuds |
| JLab Go Air Pop | IP44 | ✅ Light workouts, sweat resistant |
| JLab Studio ANC | IP44 | ⚠️ Light sweat only |
| JLab JBuds Air | IPX4 | ✅ Sweat resistant |
| JLab Headphones (over-ear) | Varies — check model | ⚠️ Most over-ear JLab = no rating |
JLab Headphones Review — Are They Worth It?
JLab is a budget-to-mid audio brand based in the US, known for delivering strong feature sets at significantly lower prices than premium brands. JLab headphones and earbuds offer competitive sound quality, excellent IP ratings (IP66 on workout-focused models is better than many premium competitors), and generous battery life — often at $30-80 compared to $150-300 for competing Sony or Beats products.
- JLab Go Air Sport ($30): IP66 rating — better water resistance than AirPods Pro at a fraction of the price. Sound quality is basic but acceptable for workouts. Best budget workout earbuds for most buyers
- JLab Epic Air Sport ANC ($80): IP66 + active noise cancellation + 15-hour battery. Remarkable value for a workout ANC earbud
- JLab Studio ANC Headphones ($50): Budget over-ear with ANC; IP44 splash resistance; best value ANC headphones for casual gym use
JLab vs Beats: JLab wins on value and workout IP ratings; Beats wins on sound quality, build quality, and brand recognition. For serious workout use, a JLab Go Air Sport at $30 outperforms Beats Solo 4 (no IP rating) purely on workout suitability.
Are Skullcandy Push Active Earbuds Waterproof?
The Skullcandy Push Active earbuds are IP55 rated — protection against dust ingress and water jets from any direction. IP55 means the Push Active handles sweat, rain, and light water splashing significantly better than IPX4-rated earbuds like AirPods Pro. They are not submersion-rated, but IP55 provides solid workout protection for running, gym use, and outdoor activities in rain. Skullcandy Push Active is one of the more water-resistant workout earbuds at its price point.
Are Sennheiser Momentum 4 Sweat Resistant?
The Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are IP52 rated — providing dust resistance (5) and protection against low-pressure water dripping (2). IP52 means the Momentum 4 can handle light sweat during casual use but are not designed for intense workouts. Sennheiser positions the Momentum 4 as a premium audiophile and commuting headphone rather than a fitness device. For light use at the gym or walking in light rain, IP52 is adequate. For intense cardio workouts, a dedicated sport earbud (JLab Go Air Sport, Powerbeats Pro) is more appropriate.
Is Sony WH-1000XM4 Waterproof?
No — the Sony WH-1000XM4 has no IP water resistance rating. Sony’s flagship noise-canceling headphone is designed as a premium listening and commuting device without workout protection. The WH-1000XM4 should not be used in rain, sweat-heavy workouts, or near moisture. Sony’s successor, the WH-1000XM5, also lacks an IP rating. If you want Sony wireless headphones with water resistance, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is not the right choice — look at Sony’s sport-oriented earbuds (Sony WF-SP800N is IPX5; Sony LinkBuds S is IPX4) for workout use.
Sweat Resistant Over-Ear Headphones — Options That Exist
True sweat-resistant over-ear headphones are rare — most over-ear headphones are designed for listening, not exercise, and lack IP ratings. Options with sweat resistance:
- Jabra Evolve2 55: IP54 — one of few over-ear headphones with meaningful water resistance
- Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100: IPX5 — designed specifically as a sport over-ear headphone
- JLab Studio Sport: IP44 — budget sport over-ear option
- Bose Sport Earphones: IPX4 — note these are earbuds, not over-ear
For most workout use, sweat-resistant earbuds are more practical than over-ear headphones — earbuds stay in better during movement, weigh less, and typically have better IP ratings for the same price. Sweat-resistant over-ear headphones are primarily for light gym use (weight training, cycling) rather than running or high-intensity cardio.
Beats Fit Pro — Troubleshooting Common Issues
Beats Fit Pro Replacement Ear Hook
The Beats Fit Pro’s flexible wingtip ear hooks are the key to its secure fit during exercise. If the wing tip breaks or wears out, replacement wing tips are available directly from Apple (search ‘Beats Fit Pro Wing Tips’ on apple.com) in Small, Medium, and Large sizes — each pack includes three pairs. Third-party replacement wing tips from brands like Symbio, Comply, and various Amazon sellers are also available and often cheaper than Apple’s official options.
Beats Fit Pro Wireless Charger
The Beats Fit Pro does not support wireless charging (Qi). The Beats Fit Pro charges via USB-C cable only — the charging case uses USB-C. If you want Beats earbuds with wireless charging, the Beats Studio Buds+ supports Qi wireless charging (place the case on any Qi pad). The Powerbeats Pro 2nd generation also supports wireless charging. For Beats Fit Pro users, a USB-C cable is the only charging method.
Powerbeats Pro One Side Not Charging
If one Powerbeats Pro earbud is not charging: first clean the charging contacts on both the earbud and the case with a dry cotton swab — debris on the contacts is the most common cause of one-sided charging failure. If cleaning does not fix it, perform a factory reset: with both earbuds in the case and the lid open, hold the button on the case for 15 seconds until the light flashes red and white. If one earbud still does not charge after reset and cleaning, it likely has a hardware defect — contact Apple Support for replacement if under warranty.
For the best workout-focused headphones and earbuds — including running tips and earbuds that stay in during exercise — see our guide to the best headphones and earbuds for running and gym workouts 2026.
For official Beats waterproofing specifications, see the Apple Beats — official product specifications and water resistance. For independent IP rating testing and headphone reviews, see Rtings.com — headphone waterproofing and IP rating tests.
For the best workout headphones and how to keep earbuds in during running, see our guide to the best headphones and earbuds for running and gym workouts 2026.
Is JBL or Beats Better?
JBL and Beats serve partially overlapping but distinct audiences. Beats (owned by Apple) excels in brand cachet, deep iOS/Apple integration (AirPods-like pairing on iPhone, Find My support), premium build materials, and strong bass-forward sound signatures that many casual listeners enjoy. Beats prices reflect the brand premium — the Beats Fit Pro at $149 competes with earbuds at $80-100 on pure feature and performance metrics. JBL (owned by Samsung/Harman) offers broader range from entry-level to professional, generally better price-to-performance ratios, and stronger IP ratings on workout-focused models. For workout-specific use: JBL Endurance Run 2 at $25 with IPX7 rating outperforms Beats Solo 4 (no IP rating, $199) in shower resistance at a fraction of the price. For casual listening and commuting: Beats Studio Pro or Beats Solo 4 deliver better brand experience and Apple integration. JBL for value and water resistance; Beats for Apple ecosystem and brand prestige. Neither is objectively better — the right choice depends on whether you prioritize workout utility or lifestyle branding.
Beats Headphones Alternatives — What to Buy Instead
If Beats headphones do not meet your specific needs — whether because of missing water resistance, high prices, or limited Android compatibility — these alternatives cover the same use cases: For workout replacement of Beats Fit Pro: JLab Epic Air Sport ANC ($80, IP66) delivers comparable workout utility at nearly half the price. For premium ANC replacement of Beats Studio Pro: Sony WH-1000XM5 ($349) and Bose QuietComfort 45 ($249) both offer superior noise cancellation at similar prices. For budget Beats alternative: JLab Studio ANC ($50) covers basic wireless headphone needs at a fraction of Beats prices. For iPhone users wanting Beats’ Apple integration without Beats’ prices: AirPods 4 ($129) offers similar H2 chip pairing speed and Find My support with a different form factor. Beats headphones alternatives are numerous and often better value — the Beats brand premium is real, and most competitors outperform Beats on specifications per dollar.
For more Apple audio and accessory coverage including CarPlay, HomeKit, and iOS features, see our article on Apple CarPlay, TV, HomeKit, and Apple Pay — complete Apple ecosystem guide.
Bottom Line
| Beats Solo 4 waterproof? | No — no IP rating; avoid all water |
| Beats Studio Pro waterproof? | No — no IP rating; not for workouts |
| Beats Solo Buds waterproof? | IPX4 — sweat/splash resistant; not shower-safe |
| Best Beats for workouts | Beats Fit Pro or Powerbeats Pro — both IPX4 |
| Can you shower with AirPods Pro? | No — IPX4 does not protect against shower pressure |
| JLab headphones waterproof? | Depends on model — Go Air Sport is IP66 (excellent) |
| Sony WH-1000XM4 waterproof? | No — no IP rating at all |
| Skullcandy Push Active waterproof? | IP55 — good workout protection |
| Sennheiser Momentum 4 sweat resistant? | IP52 — light sweat only; not for intense workouts |
| Safest earbuds in shower | IPX7+ required — JLab JBuds Air, Jabra Elite 4 Active |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Beats Solo 4 waterproof?
No — Beats Solo 4 have no IP water resistance rating. They are not waterproof, not water resistant, and not sweat resistant by any certified standard. Beats Solo 4 should not be used during workouts, in rain, or near moisture. For Beats with workout water resistance, the Beats Fit Pro (IPX4) or Beats Solo Buds (IPX4) are the appropriate alternatives.
Can you use AirPods Pro in the shower?
No — AirPods Pro (IPX4) should not be used in the shower. IPX4 protects against sweat and light splashing from any direction but does not protect against the sustained water pressure of a shower stream. Apple explicitly advises against using AirPods Pro during ‘water-based activities including showering.’ For shower-safe earbuds, look for IPX7 or IPX8 rated products.
Are JLab headphones waterproof for the gym?
Many JLab earbuds have excellent IP ratings for gym use — the JLab Go Air Sport and Epic Air Sport are both IP66 rated (protection against dust and water jets), making them more water resistant than AirPods Pro at a fraction of the price. JLab’s over-ear headphones typically have lower IP ratings (IP44 or none). For gym workouts, JLab earbuds are among the best-protected budget options available.
What IP rating do I need for the shower?
For safe shower use, you need at least IPX7 — protection against freshwater submersion to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Most popular earbuds (AirPods Pro, Beats Fit Pro, JLab Go Air Sport) are IPX4-IPX6 and are not shower safe. IPX7 and IPX8 earbuds suitable for shower use include the Jabra Elite 8 Active (IP68), Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro (IPX7), and Sony WF-1000XM5 (IPX4 — actually not shower safe despite premium positioning). Always verify the specific IP rating before using any earbuds in the shower.
